Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid apparently was not happy with his minutes limit. At the end of the first overtime during the Philadelphia 76ers game against the Memphis Grizzlies on Wedensday night, Joel Embiid showed his frustration by kicking a chair on the bench. He was clearly upset that he's already reached his playing time limit. The Philadelphia 76ers eventually lost that game in double overtime 104-99. Joel Embiid finished the game with 12 points, 11 rebounds, 3 blocked shots and 7 turnovers.
The Philadelphia 76ers has put a limit on Joel Embiid that only allows him to play for 25 minutes per game. On Wednesday night's game, however, Joel Embiid has already played for 27 minutes at the end of the first overtime. With a second overtime coming, he has to take a seat.
After missing a potential game winner at the buzzer of the first overtime period, Joel Embid trooped back to the bench. He can be seen talking to one of the team doctors. Joel Embiid was pleading to the doctor to let him play in the second overtime. The team doctor eventually said no. That led to Joel Embiid kicking the chair.
For a moment there, Philadelphia 76ers fans held their breath. Given Joel Embiid's history of foot injuries in the past, kicking a chair was probably not a pretty good idea.
During the final minute of the second overtime, Joel Embiid again could be seen talking to the coaches and asking to be put back in. Despite being a close game, head coach Brett Brown and the coaching staff did not budge. But Brett Brown did appreciate Joel Embiid's passion and says that he respects his anger.
You can't blame Joel Embiid for being frustrated during that game. After sitting out the past two seasons since being drafted 3rd overall by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2014 NBA Draft, Joel Embiid just wants to play. He's not actually frustrated at the minutes restriction. He understands that the Philadelphia 76ers are just looking out for him and for his future. It's his competitive nature that's kicking in. Joel Embiid just wants to go out there to compete and to win.
